More Articles By Colleen Bohen

• Fear factor
  Consumers may be months away from worrying about pumpkins and trick-or-treating, but for retailers early summer is the perfect time to get in gear for fall. Halloween can provide plenty of lucrative opportunities for enthusiastic merchants. Playthings' March issue featured in-depth coverage of the possibilities that exist for toy retailers to tap into the playful energy of Hallow... More
  
• The advice column
  Retailers already know that tweens make up a powerful segment of the toy industry's consumers. Those looking to sell to this segment should remember that this group is at a point in life where they are changing very quickly, internally and externally, and they're likely looking for help to learn to handle these changes. More
  
• Ready For a Close-up
  Lights, camera, action! It's show time, and the future is looking bright for silver screen flicks that lend themselves towards a variety of toy categories. Super heroes, super powers and super-sized fantasies will play a big role in the films slated for release in the near future, which of course means great toy tie-in opportunities for manufacturers and retailers. More
  
• Building Blocks
  In a toy marketplace so inundated with tech-friendly playthings it would be hard to believe that a basic evergreen category like construction toys would even make a dent in the sales figures. Well, guess again. Despite a general industry dip in retail sales between 2004 and 2005, building toys were one of only three categories that experienced an increase, according to a recent r... More
  
• Questions answered
  Kids have a natural curiosity and they invariably come up with a whole slew of questions relating to health and life. Often parents are caught off guard and are unsure about how much to tell their kids, and in some cases they may not fully know the answers themselves. Retailers can come to the rescue by carrying some books that answer these inevitable questions in age-appropriate ... More
  
• Rub a dub dub
  Bath time with young children can either be a battle or a breeze. The best tub-related scenarios for both parents and kids usually happen when parents make it a fun event rather than just a chore. Retailers can help parents to make the bathing experience more enjoyable for their kids by providing a selection of unique bath products that will both engage and entertain the child so... More
  
• Off the bookshelf
  Ahoy! Pirates appear to be everywhere lately. From films to toys to licensed products and more, the swashbuckling excitement of a pirate's life seems to be capturing the imagination of kids and adults alike. Retailers who want to hop aboard this particular ship before it sails might consider stocking up on pirate-related goods across the board. More
  
• Mega Bloks faces fifth Magnetix suit
  REDDING, Calif. and LIVINGSTON, N.J.—Could the death of a 22-month-old boy have been prevented? A new law suit filed Friday raises just that question. More
  
• Off the bookshelf
  As savvy retailers know, staying ahead of the game means keeping a fresh stream of products flowing into your store. Perhaps the best way for today's toy retailers to do so in this big-box-dominated world is to take a cue from the big boys and diversify one's product assortment in order to cater to as many kid-friendly areas as possible. More
  
• DVD games
  Traditional board games may be the ultimate enablers of family bonding time, but in today's digital age, kids may find them too old-fashioned to be cool. Enter the latest trend in gaming: DVD games. These new, often trivia-based games usually require little more than a standard DVD player and offer the possibility for hours of fun. More
  
• ASTRA goes to market
  In planning for this year's upcoming Marketplace convention, taking place May 7-10 in Atlanta, the convention's host, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), is paying special attention to the needs of both its exhibiting manufacturers and the retailers who attend the convention. More
  
• Vehicular Play
  “Toy cars”—there are few broader terms within this industry. This categorization overlaps into so many toy categories and play patterns that it may be difficult for retailers—particularly specialty retailers with limited shelf-space—to wrap their heads around how to begin to choose products and brands to sell. More
  
• Long Island
  Tween Accessories Chain Claire's, Huntington, NY Tootsie Roll Pop Pillow, Senario, McHenry, Ill. ($15.00) Hello Kitty Twin Bell Alarm Clock, Sanrio, Huntington Beach, Calif. ($16.00) Disney Plush Doorbell, Spiderman Paddle Ball Set, Idea Nuova, New York ($10.50; $10.00) Hyperflex Sports Flyer, Play Visions, Woodinville, Wash. More
  
• Culinary kids
  Parents are always telling kids not to play with their food, but sometimes they just have to! The kitchen is an area of role-play that is so basic, it risks being forgotten about in today's atmosphere where high-tech toys tend to dominate. Food-play can extend into a number of different play genres, but it primarily falls in the role-play category. More
  
• SWEET!
  The toy business doesn't revolve purely around toys anymore and the savviest of retailers and manufacturers seem to be picking up on the idea that in order to be successful in the modern marketplace they are probably going to have to reach out beyond the realm of traditional playthings. There are the new trendy buzzword categories like “lifestyle products” and “you... More
  
• TIA: EU chem. decision disappointing
  NEW YORK—The Toy Industry Association is expressing disappointment in the European Parliament’s recent decision to ban toy manufacturers from using six chemicals in the production of plastic parts and products. The decision, prompted by Greenpeace initiatives, regulates the use of the chemicals known as DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP and DNOP. More
  
• 10 to Watch
  If Summer is here, the fourth quarter isn't far behind! Retailers who want to stay in the black are likely channeling their inner-psychic to predict 'the next big thing' —a potentially daunting task! Only time till tell which of this year's offerings will rival the Tickle Me Elmos and Cabbage Patch Kids of fourth-quarters-past. More
  
• The Muppets team with Movies.com
  NORTH HOLLYWOOD , Calif. —Movies.com and Disney’s The Muppets are teaming up to launch Statler and Waldorf — From the Balcony on Movies.com. More
  
• Fabulous fashion show
  NEW YORK —Playthings.com staffers got an eyeful of fashion last night at the Barbie and Hot Wheels Fall 2005 Fashion show, sponsored by Mattel. The runway show—which took place at New York City ’s Gotham Hall—showcased five new lines of kids’ fashion featuring Mattel’s Barbie and Hot Wheels licenses. More
  
• Hasbro plays up its games
  NEW YORK—Hasbro showcased its new line of games last night at the company's 13 th Annual Games Day event, held at Cipriani in the Toy Center. More